Followers

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Death and Taxes

I'm sure everyone (at least here in the US) has heard about the 775% tax increase on pipe tobacco that has been proposed in Congress recently. Apparently it is aimed at closing a loop hole that the RYO folks have been using lately. By calling their cigarette tobacco pipe tobacco they can avoid the huge cigarette tax. There have been several calls to "write your Congressman" and I advise the same. You can do it easily by going to PipesMagazine.com . Who knows what good it will do, but at least Congress will know people are watching their actions. I've written my Congressmen and so far have received one reply from Senator Corker -

Dear Mr. Crowder,

Thank you for contacting my office about opposing H.R. 4439, the Tobacco Tax Parity Act of 2010. Your input is important to me and I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts.

I understand your concern that such a proposal would result in a dramatic cost increase for products that many Americans enjoy every day and could potentially negatively affect small businesses who sell tobacco products. The Tobacco Tax Parity Act is currently in the House Committee on Ways and Means. Should the bill be introduced into the Senate, the insights you have provided will certainly help my staff and me as we look into the issue.

Thank you again for your letter. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts with me.

Sincerely,

Bob CorkerUnited States Senator

The silver lining to this possible tax is it provides a great rationalization for my huge tobacco order today! -T